I am a pediatrician, seasoned mother and adoring grandmother. I grew up as the middle child among 5 in a military family, spending my childhood predominantly in northern Virginia and Hawaii, as well as on Guam in the Mariana Islands. I have 5 wonderful adult children (bookend boys and 3 girls), three amazing in-law children, and 6 delightful, young grandchildren.
While my most significant professional niche has been in the area of breastfeeding promotion and management, I also am passionate about educating parents concerning various aspects of children’s health and behavior. The pursuit of life balance is another major interest, arising from my own ongoing struggles with role overload and out of compassion for today’s generation of “too busy” parents. I look forward to sharing information about breastfeeding and other baby care concerns, and consider it a privilege to help inform, empower, and encourage new parents in their most awe-inspiring role!
Dr. Neifert is also the author of "
Great Expectations: The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding."
How do you like to take a "time out?"
I love to read, especially books on personal growth and self-improvement, including positive parenting, positive psychology, human relations, and spirituality.
What three words come to mind when you think about your family?
Love, Legacy, Lessons
What blogs/websites do you read every day?
I read headline news; the Listserv messages from fellow members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine; and news updates from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What piece of sound advice would you like to give to moms and dads out there?
- Graciously accept help and care from others.
- Play and have fun with your children every day.
- When you blow it, apologize to your child with both words and changed behavior.
- Always put your baby’s needs above your own needs. Generously rank your children’s wants above your own wants. However, avoid putting your children’s wants above your own needs.